The pride and joy of most universities, clubs and societies are absolute gems across the country. Not only do you get the chance to test the waters in just about any sport or hobby that you like, you can also make bundles of friends to make your experience ten tonnes better.

It may seem stressful picking the right accommodation, but this is quite an important decision. Finding somewhere that suits you can make or break your time at uni, so try as best you can to research thoroughly and find the place with your name on it.

If you’re really struggling to decide between accommodation options, see if you’d be living nearby anything, like the students’ union club or in the centre of town. This can be a big decider in picking between universities, so take a gander and see if you can picture yourself there.

Clubs and bars are the hotspots most evenings for students, especially in first year, so scout around and find the popular places to test if they meet your taste. Whether you like cheesy bars that play pop music from decades before you were born, or an old school bar with nothing but comfy chairs, slightly older locals and a silent atmosphere whenever you walk through the door.

You won’t be staring at a wall all day, they’ll be landmarks and the likes in your chosen destination. Check these out, and consider if you’d want to visit them as a break from studying.

Having Services to Help You

It’s not news that university can be tough at time, but you don’t have to struggle alone. There are fantastic services out there, both for academic issues and more personal ones, so take a look at these as support can never go amiss.

It can be difficult making an independent decision when you have your parents breathing down your neck, but really this is your decision. It’s important to know what you want, and not be influenced by anyone else.

Remember, the decision isn’t just about academic factors. Take the time out to reflect on what you really want. So sit back, have a think, and take your time. Uni will be one of the best experiences of your life, so take into account everything it has to offer.